2020 was a year that took us by surprise. It challenged us. It changed us. it forced us to think and act differently – in our cities, homes, and workplaces.

12 months ago, most of us had probably never considered what a global pandemic would mean to our lives and livelihoods. It’s been a steep learning curve, but for the most part Australia has managed the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 well. Unfortunately, other countries have been less fortunate and are struggling with the effects of a very different trajectory.

At the start of the pandemic, we launched the CfS LIVE program with Richard Florida, one of the world’s most recognisable and influential urbanists. His thoughts on the future of cities were challenging, provocative and exciting. As we start to cast our eyes ahead into 2021 and beyond, we invited Richard back for an update one year on. What’s happened? What have we learned? And where are we headed?

Richard Florida is University Professor at University of Toronto’s School of Cities and Rotman School of Management, Distinguished Fellow at NYU and FIU, and Co-Founder and Senior Editor of The Atlantic City Lab.